Banana Split Trifle

1 box yellow, chocolate, or angel food cake, prepared and cut in pieces

lg pkg. vanilla instant pudding (do not use banana flavored), prepared

3 large bananas, sliced

1 1/2 c. sliced strawberries

20 oz. crushed pineapple, drained

16 oz. cool whip, thawed

1 jar maraschino cherries, chopped

1 jar whole maraschino cherries with stems

1/2 c. pecans, chopped

1/4 c. chocolate syrup

In a large clear bowl place half of the cake pieces. Begin layering: add half of pudding, half of bananas (pressing into side of the bowl for decoration), half of strawberries (pressing into side of bowl, like bananas), half of pineapple, half of cool whip, half of chopped cherries, half of chocolate syrup, and half of nuts. Repeat in the same order. Drizzle with chocolate syrup, place cherries with stems and chopped pecans on top. Chill until ready to serve. This makes a very festive dessert for gatherings.

1st pic: layering started, this is what's hidden inside that you can't see; 2nd pic: This is on top of the previous picture; 3rd pic: side view; 4th pic: ready to chill until time to serve.